Executive director Jeanine Woosley’s vision is to create an inviting outdoor space where residents of Casey’s Pond with cognitive and physical challenges can take in what Steamboat Springs has to offer.

“The idea is that we would have a secured outdoor space for folks that are on the cognitive spectrum, so they can go outside and enjoy the beautiful Steamboat environment without us having to worry because the courtyard is secure,” Woosley said. “They could go out and enjoy the weather, and of course, we would go out and check on them. But it gives them a little more autonomy.”

The Doak Walker courtyard renovation plan would increase the security and lighting for night and daytime enjoyment. The plan also calls for adding a fountain, benches, more planter boxes and improved plant varieties, so it is truly a delight for the senses and a place where residents can experience increased wellness and connect with their loved ones.

The project cost is projected at $54,000, and some of the funding is already in place thanks to a generous donor. The goal is to raise another $10,000 to complete the project, which began in the fall.

“We have poured the cement for it, and now we basically need to complete it,” Woosley said. “In the springtime we need to finish putting benches, do the landscaping, and we were talking about a water feature out there.”

Woosley said the retirement community will also put a special kind of lock on the gate that communicates with the fire system so that if something were to go awry, the alarm will release the gate so it is easier for residents and staff to exit the area.

“The courtyard is actually accessible through our skilled nursing, so it’s for everyone in skilled,” Woosley said. “All of the folks that reside in the Doak Walker house, which is our skilled nursing section that is for them, but in particular, because when you’re talking about folks on the cognitive spectrum, you need to create opportunities for them to be successful while they’re outside and keep them safe.”

She said the cement work was needed so that residents in wheelchairs and those who may need walkers can access the area. Woosley said that work was done by a local company at a discounted rate.

Casey’s Pond also made a push this year during Yampa Valley Gives Day, hoping to bridge the cost of the project. She said those fundraising efforts will continue, but she expects the project to move forward when the snow melts this spring.

This year Casey’s Pond reached out to the community through Colorado and Yampa Valley Gives day hoping to raise funds for the project. Woosley said they didn’t raise the money needed to complete the project, but felt it was an important tool for community outreach.

“Yampa Valley Gives Day was a chance to actually finish this project next year so that we can have it all landscaped and ready to go for the residents to go out and use it,” Woosley said. “We have not really pursued those kinds of opportunities in the past, but we’re starting to make folks aware that we are a tax-deductible nonprofit and that people in our community can donate to Casey’s Pond.”

She said that anyone wanting to contribute to the courtyard project can send checks to Casey’s Pond, 2855 Owl Hoot Trail, Steamboat Springs, CO, 80487. The envelope should be addressed to the attention of the executive director and donors should specify that it is for the courtyard.

Woosley said Casey’s Pond is also hoping to reach out to other community members, including the Yampa River Botanic Park, to make the new space all it can be.